Murphy is Biding His Time

Josh Clark

07/31/2005

Iowa recorded its first in-state verbal commit when Julian Vandervelde announced he would grey-shir and join the team in January of 2007. Currently, Iowa has no offers out to in state prospects in the class of 2006. One prospect who will undoubtedly receive a strong look is Jayme Murhpy, who has been told his first three games will determine whether he is offered or not. With a visit set to another Big Ten school later this week, will Murphy's recruitment even last into the fall?

It's not an overly strong year in Iowa when looking at the Class of 2006, but that does not mean some players have not been overlooked. At this time five years ago, there are many current players on the Hawkeye roster that were also in doubt as to whether or not they'd be receiving a Hawkeye offer, including Chad Greenway, a nine-man prospect from South Dakota.

Coach Kirk Ferentz has stated on many occasions that he feels a player's senior season in both high school and college normally shows their highest progression. Jayme Murphy is hoping to display his skills at a high enough level to earn the chance to play on the division one level.

After primarily playing running back last fall, Murphy has been shown a new position this summer which should provide plenty of opportunity to make a strong impression in his first three games this fall.

"Iowa, Iowa State, and Wisconsin have all told me they want to view my first three games this fall," Murphy said. "Iowa State and Wisconsin are recruiting me as a safety while Iowa has just told me they view me as an athlete. I'm also making a visit to Northwestern this coming Friday where I'm hoping for the best."

In hoping for the best, Murphy is essentially stating his desire that he receives a Wildcat offer.

"They haven't made any mention about making an offer, but I guess you can't rule it out, either. I'm sure what I would do if they were to offer as I have to check it out, first. They certainly would give me something to strongly consider if they were to offer,"
Murphy said.

After a successful junior campaign at tailback, Murphy has beefed up to 200 pounds and was even introduced a new position on the summer camp circuit as a safety, although, he will not be playing the position this fall.

"We run a 4-4 defense, in which I will be playing the strong side backer," added Murphy, who also plans to make a visit to Northern Iowa on Tuesday. "Basically at these camps, I was a new fish in the water, in having to play the safety position for the first time in front of these coaches."

Still, according to the Iowa coaches, Murhpy more than impressed in his first performance.

"Iowa told me I had a good camp. They liked my instincts at the position, as well as my hitting ability. Really, they know I will work hard and have a good attitude," Murphy said.

Iowa has other safety prospects currently on the board, and if Murphy does not commit elsewhere before the start of his season, a few could of those players could be bumped down the line if Murphy is able to show the Hawkeye staff that he is worthy of a scholarship offer.

It's my opinion, as of right now that Murphy has the best shot of any remaining un-committed prospect in the state of Iowa to receive an offer from Iowa.